Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was reportedly stabbed 14 times in an altercation at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, where he is serving a 10-year sentence for shooting Megan Thee Stallion. The incident, reported on May 12, 2025, has raised concerns about prison safety and Lanez’s well-being, though official details remain limited.
Lanez, convicted in December 2022 of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, negligent discharge, and carrying an unregistered loaded firearm, was attacked in the prison’s general population area, according to prison sources. The 32-year-old sustained non-life-threatening injuries, primarily to his torso and arms, and was treated at the facility’s medical unit before being transferred to a local hospital for further evaluation.
He is now in stable condition and has been placed in administrative segregation for his safety. The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed an incident occurred but did not disclose specifics, citing an ongoing investigation. The assailants, reportedly fellow inmates, have been isolated, with disciplinary actions pending.
The attack follows Lanez’s high-profile trial, where he was found guilty of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the feet during a 2020 altercation in Los Angeles, causing injuries requiring surgery. His case drew significant attention due to his music career, with hits like Say It, and the broader discourse on violence in hip-hop. Lanez has maintained his innocence, filing multiple appeals, the most recent denied in March 2025. His legal team, led by Ceasar McDowell, expressed concern about prison conditions, noting that Lanez had reported threats prior to the incident. They are exploring legal options, including a request for protective custody.
Prison violence in California facilities has been a persistent issue, with 1,200 reported inmate assaults in 2024, per state data. The Tehachapi facility, housing 3,800 inmates, has faced scrutiny for overcrowding and inadequate staffing, with a 15% guard vacancy rate. The incident has prompted calls for reform, with advocacy groups urging better oversight and rehabilitation programs. Lanez’s team has requested a transfer to a lower-security facility, pending court approval. As the investigation continues, the case highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring inmate safety within the U.S. prison system.